Accidental Bible Study

A few weeks ago a friend invited me to bible study. She was quick to say “really its book club at a church and we have never opened a bible, its more like a personal development book club. I don’t even attend the church where its held”rpk-tramplin.ru

“You don’t discuss the bible or god or religion?” I asked, double checking. It’s not that I am like really super opposed to any of those things, its just that I am not interested in them either, not in the traditional sense…or not in what *I* have decided is the traditional sense. Honestly, they use to make me want to run in the opposite direction but I was feeling open and curious.

Of course the first time I went, the only people in attendance are the friend who invited me and the Pastor of the church (who runs the group). Rather than talk about the book we end up talking almost the whole time about God, and Jesus, and the Bible…about religion and ordained women (did I mention the pastor is a really COOOL chick?) and ministry. We talked about different religions and religious history and problems with organized religion.

It was one of the most open and real conversations I have ever had about my beliefs and definitely the most comfortable I have ever felt in asking questions without fear. I sat on a couch in a church and said out loud to a minister that I do not feel comfortable with God.

Religion for me has always been something that I either wished I felt a part of or something I wanted no part of. Its been hard to find some kind of middle ground and many times I have either felt judged or assume I will be. Yet, I pray…

I expressed that if I substitute the Universe in for the word/name/idea of God, I’m all good. It magically transforms it for me. She shared with me that perhaps it was because I was seeing God in the image/definition/form of man and that did not seem big enough for me…I needed something as expansive as The Universe. WOW. I am pretty sure thats a big part of it.

Honestly, I am pretty sure it also has something to do with the fact that we (WE? you? people?) refer to God as The Father. This really makes it even more difficult for me. I do not have a healthy relationship with my father, and a girl with daddy issues just has a hard time with that whole unconditional fatherly love concept…alas, I believe thats a blog post for another day.

Hope Fato is a Lifestyle Coach focusing on Health & Wellness. This Mom of 3 strives to help others receive the support they need in making positive changes in their health and in their life. Whether you are struggling physically, financially, or emotionally she is here to help you bring out your BEST inner self and help you achieve real results.

P.S. – If you found this post helpful, please share it with others so they can benefit, too!

17 Responses to Accidental Bible Study

This is a great post and I appreciate your thoughts. I’ve always had a difficult time with “religion” and people who want to push their beliefs on me in every conversation. I have recently started reading different books and watching Elevation Church. And, as mean as it may sound, tuning out the forceful thoughts of others and what they think I need to believe. Thank you for sharing :)))

I love that you could share your heart here, Hope. I also had (have) daddy issues and religion really skewed my vision of what even being a Christian was supposed to look like. Forever grateful that after many years I came across someone who was walking in love and light without all that judgment and condemnation. My life and my Christian experience hasn’t been the same since. So glad you’re open to this Awesome and Amazing God! xx

This is awesome. It is very not often that I find myself openly engaged in conversation about God with anyone, let alone a pastor. I don’t attend a B&M church but I do watch Elevation Church. This was enlightening to me though. Especially the part of thinking in terms of the size of God rather than thinking of him as a man.

Thanks Brianna, its not often for me either. I tend to shy away from it as not to offend anyone. I respect other peoples views but often struggle w/ them because I don’t share them in the same way. That concept was enlightening to me too, and I felt as if I had permission, that is was ok. 🙂

This is definitely a powerful post. I’m glad that you were able to talk out in the open about everything so you can sort out what feels good for you. Took me a long time to figure out the concept as God the father when I had daddy issues too. It comes in time.

Hey Hope! I am so glad to read this and know that you are searching your thoughts. Our Daddy God is the ultimate Father but maybe a better reference point (for you) would be a best friend/lover of your soul/redeemer in Jesus. I would love it if you would like my FB fan page and (secretly) follow along to learn more about him. (I HATE religion, btw)

AWESOME 😉 I loved reading this Hope. I was a pastor/teacher for many years and I too have found that many people in the “church” can sadly be more critical and judgmental than those out of the church. I do not believe this is how God intended it to be. I agree with the “Father” part I was a girl with Daddy issues for MANY YEARS and it did make it super hard. But, I can honestly say little by little my heart was softened, mended, and opened and that has lead me to a whole new place
😉 Thank you so much for sharing!!!

I am in tears after reading this. Seriously. May I share a brief scripture with you?

Matthew 7:7-8 – Anyone who asks receives what they ask for. Anyone who seeks, finds. Anyone who knocks the door will be opened to them. For everyone who asks, receives, everyone who seeks finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

Keep asking. Keep seeking. Keep knocking.

I was an athiest for a long time. One day I became an agnostic (that’s a long story) and, after that, it took 6 YEARS of knocking but God answered me.